Inspirational talks from entertaining guests thrilled a packed audience at Petersfield's Write Angle in October.
Richard Tyrone Jones arrived sleepless from Seattle after an eventful journey included an unexpected airport return just after ascent when he collapsed and could not breathe. He was rushed to hospital just as his plane resumed its flight!
In short, not a great way to arrive at your own performance – but if that doesn't define professionalism in showbiz, what does?!
Richard, 34, had a suspected blood clot, stroke and enlarged heart aged 30.
He explains: "My heart almost died, (it stopped for four minutes) and all I got was this lousy T'shirt!" He held up a gift from a friend, then took the humour of his health a step further, stating: "At least I got a book, show and CD out of it."
While the writer would not recommend anyone else going through what he did, he has since created some great and witty poetry and stories, including describing the great specialist who treated him: "How could he not have been. He was an 'ultra' sound man!" There's also the doctor who touched his knees "a bit too often" and the stunning Italian medical student they sent in, whose multi-questionnaire made Richard fantasise that she was in love with him.
Richard wondered if holding a mock funeral on his 30th birthday "with many fatherless red-haired children" did not attribute to what followed.
His poem 'Passing' is a tribute to 'any artist silenced by the government': "They took away her audience. They cut out her tongue. They lobotomised her so she fantasised. Finally, she scribbled on the sky."
A love poem, 'Security Marker' is about a man painting all his valuables: "He painted her every surface. When she stepped out naked on the balcony, those who saw a ghost, were wrong. Those who saw a spirit were wrong. Those who saw an angel, they only saw what I saw."
Richard's poetry and stories, built around his heart, are truly full of heart and he performs with confidence and emotion.
Meanwhile, on the open mic, a happy John Meriton played the guitar and sang 'It Wasn't So' , about seeing someone you think you know, followed by 'Maybe all insects, like us, are looking for love'.
He was suddenly joined by Audi Maserati, who always creates humour the moment he steps on stage.
A great rendition of John's 'Rachman' song played along with Audi's 'The Elegant Tony Ritz', both about evil men to whom money came first!
Audi then announced: "I just wanna look like a rock star" and recited 'Cowboy Poem'.
Raised by she-wolves, had a bad childhood, killed for fun - his life changed when the theatre came to town. He met the girl of his dreams. Great poem. Great presentation.
Bernardo Garces, first time at the mic, translated a piece about 'Books' from Spanish to English: "I would ask for half a piece of bread and a book. Books are the same as saying love." Every word spoke emotion.
Another welcome newcomer, recently from Spain, Andy Barker, read a rhyming story of a bullfighter, his wife, the Matador and the horse. It flowed easily and gave view to Spain's almost extinct sport. He talked of his 'other self' writing serious poetry while in Third World countries.
Barry Smith, just a 'wee bit' cynical, read of "Things ordered on computers. Stuff you really don't want but others believe you do! Combat chapped lips, skin taped jeans – gears of war, the new judgement game!"
Having been to an exhibition, where he was meant to be inspired by the paintings, he found the "autobiographical reference of artists stirred him more.
In 'Synoptic', "Monet had myopia. Picasso couldn't wait to take his models apart'" and Pollock splattered his way as 'Jack the Dripper'. Clever stuff. The audience was hysterical. Then, 'Vital Statistics': "I know it's true – because I read it in a book! Five percent of the universe is made up of atoms and 95% of the oceans are unexplored and up to 50% of the human genome is shared with a banana." A strong poet with a good sense of humour and exploring mind.
Chris Sangster read 'Autumnal Theme', sharing memories of his holiday in Corfu: "Seasons drawing to a close, toys hang listless in the breeze, the stirring reds and golds soon to be winter – to grow and re-new."
Compère Jake Claret read 'No Surprises', about his daughter's new tattoo: "I knew you wouldn't mind me being nude...but that tattoo!" Then, 'Rood Words' referring to an Ecumenical conference in Westminster Cathedral: "99 people of all religions speak of peace. Do they really want it?"
Leah Cohen read about her dream that Carphone Warehouse told the truth about mobiles being rubbish. David Roberts read 'Anything Else', a conversation between passenger and taxi driver, followed by 'Why do Hollywood endings have to be happy? Don't sad endings say so much more?'
Duncan Filer performed his first poems from memory about politicians: "People, people, people..let us make hay on this bright Orwellian day." Next: 'We're fighting the wrong war. Maybe we should be fighting plasma TV, and a boy playing modern warfare!"
Dave Allen took all summer to write a poem about the beach, excluding nothing… The threatening sky, the guy in speedos sees those torpedo. What torpedoes? Enter 'Alsatian invasion'! The audience travelled with Dave all the way to the bitter end, howling between laughter and horror.
Finally, Sven Stears read 'The Old Man At The Bus Stop', a lifetime of journey painted on his skin, leaving scars of maps for someone to follow. Then, 'Career Advice'. Pointing to various audience members, he announced: "You should be an elephant technician where endangered conversations weep; you, a consultant to the barrier reef." Sven is now in Canterbury having been commissioned to write a poem.
An eclectic evening of enchanting entertainment...
Write Angle next meets upstairs at The Square Brewery at 7.15pm on Tuesday 19 November, with guest performer Afric McGlinchey all the way from Ireland. Find out more at: www.petersfieldwriteangle.co.uk
